A new research report by Comensura, in collaboration with Inside HR, has revealed the severe impact of talent shortages on local authorities across the UK.
The report, titled Inside HR: Transforming Talent in Local Government, outlines how a lack of skilled workers is undermining the ability of councils to deliver essential services. Comensura, a leading provider of workforce management solutions, surveyed over 60 senior decision-makers in local authorities, shedding light on the extent of the public sector skills crisis.
The findings show that 83% of respondents believe that talent shortages are having a noticeable impact on the performance of their local authority, with 52% categorising the effect as mid-level and 31% describing it as having a high-level impact. Furthermore, every respondent reported experiencing some level of skill shortages within their organisation, illustrating the pervasive nature of the problem.
Key Areas of Skill Shortages
The report identifies several critical areas where local authorities are struggling to attract and retain skilled workers. These include health and social care, planning, finance, legal, digital, and cyber security. In many cases, local councils are competing with the private sector, which often offers higher salaries and more flexible working conditions. This competition has made it difficult for public sector employers to match the appeal of private firms, particularly in fields like digital and cyber security, where demand continues to rise.
The shortage of skilled workers in these sectors has a direct impact on the quality of services that local authorities can provide. For example, the lack of health and social care workers limits the ability of councils to meet the growing needs of an ageing population, while shortages in digital skills hinder the implementation of new technologies designed to improve service delivery.
Recommendations to Address the Skills Gap
In response to the challenges highlighted in the report, Comensura and those involved in the research have outlined several recommendations for local authorities. These strategies focus on attracting and retaining a motivated workforce capable of addressing the needs of the communities they serve. The report underscores the importance of adopting new approaches to talent management, with suggestions for improving recruitment processes, enhancing workforce flexibility, and increasing the appeal of public sector roles.
Comensura’s Managing Director, Hoa Ngo, emphasised the dedication of local authority workers to public service but acknowledged the pressing challenges they face. “Local authorities are made up of workforces clearly dedicated to providing public service, but this report gives a worrying picture of the current state of talent shortages in local authorities and the implications for the public sector as a whole,” Ngo said. He highlighted the potential for improvement, suggesting that local authorities must adapt their strategies to bridge the skills gap and continue delivering vital services.
Competing with the Private Sector
One of the central issues raised in the report is the difficulty local authorities face in competing with the private sector for skilled workers. In industries such as planning, finance, and legal services, local authorities often find themselves offering less competitive salaries compared to their private sector counterparts. Additionally, the private sector’s ability to offer more flexible working arrangements, such as remote working and reduced hours, adds to the challenge of attracting top talent to public sector roles.
These factors are particularly acute in digital and cyber security roles, where private companies typically offer more attractive packages. This discrepancy has led to a skills drain in critical areas, further straining local authorities’ capacity to meet the increasing demands for digital services and infrastructure.
Future Outlook for Local Government Workforces
The report concludes that, while the talent shortages currently facing local authorities are severe, there are practical steps that can be taken to improve the situation. By adopting new recruitment strategies, offering greater flexibility in working conditions, and focusing on workforce development, local councils can begin to bridge the skills gap.
As public sector organisations navigate these challenges, the report serves as a call to action for local authorities to rethink their approach to talent management. With the right initiatives in place, it is possible to address the current skills shortages and ensure that councils can continue to provide essential services to their constituents.
The severity of the skills shortage outlined in Comensura’s report paints a clear picture of the challenges local authorities face, but also highlights the opportunities for reform and innovation within the public sector. By investing in talent development and retention strategies, local authorities can position themselves to meet the growing demands of their communities effectively.
